EDITORIAL: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) recent decision to extend the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme from four to five years has sparked intense debate across Pakistan's dental and medical communities. Set to take effect in the 2024-2025 academic session, the move has raised concerns about the decision-making process and its implications for dental education in the country.
At a symposium organised by the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA), participants criticised the unilateral nature of the PMDC’s decision, pointing to a lack of consultation with key stakeholders, including dental colleges, faculty members, and subject specialists. The absence of dialogue has left many in the dental sector feeling sidelined and questioning the rationale behind the extension.
In response, the symposium passed two critical resolutions. The first called for the establishment of a Pakistan Dental Council (PDC), a dedicated body to represent the interests of the dental profession. Currently, the PMDC board comprises 15 members, with only one dental professional, a composition viewed as insufficient to address the specific needs of dental education and practice.
The second resolution demanded that the implementation of the five-year programme be deferred until a comprehensive curriculum is developed. Stakeholders emphasised that such an undertaking requires collaboration with dental colleges and subject specialists to ensure its relevance and feasibility. Concerns were also raised about the additional strain on infrastructure, faculty, and financial resources that institutions will face to accommodate the extended programme.
The PDA has formally urged the PMDC to form a committee with representation from both medical and dental fields to revise the curriculum and address logistical challenges.
The PMDC, however, defends its decision, asserting that the extension will enhance the global recognition of Pakistani dental graduates. PMDC President Prof. Dr Rizwan Taj stated that the additional year, focusing on "clerkship," would provide students with enhanced clinical experience, better preparing them for professional practice and aligning Pakistani dental education with international standards.
Critics, however, remain unconvinced. Prof. Dr Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, President of the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutions (PAMI), labelled the PMDC's notification as a "trash document" and accused the council of bypassing the consultative processes required by the PMDC Act of 2002. Representing 110 medical institutions nationwide, PAMI decried the lack of evidence-based policymaking and stakeholder engagement.
The implications of the extended BDS programme are far-reaching, affecting students, institutions, and the broader dental community. Transparency and inclusivity are critical to ensuring the programme’s success. The PMDC must address the concerns of stakeholders like the PDA and PAMI by fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
While the five-year BDS programme holds the potential to elevate the standards of dental education and enhance international recognition, its implementation must reflect the collective expertise of educators, professionals, and institutions. The establishment of a Pakistan Dental Council and a deferment of the extension until a thorough curriculum review are reasonable demands that could ensure the changes are beneficial and sustainable.
A collaborative approach is essential for advancing dental education in Pakistan. The PMDC must prioritise stakeholder involvement to secure the future of dental students and the profession.